Tuesday Evening Weather Update

Jeff and I have discussed at length in posts like this one and on the air about the severe threat for tonight, so I will focus on what is happening now and what to expect. For the back story, read earlier discussions by us.

Two lines of storms are currently ongoing. One is the main line back in west central Louisiana which contains mostly a wind threat. The other is a line just west of the Mississippi River that has produced numerous tornado warnings.

These two lines are expected to merge in the next couple of hours as the main line catches up to the one by the River. The merged line looks to be pretty potent with damaging winds and possible tornadoes on the leading edge or breaks in the line.

It also appears that a line will redevelop ahead of this merged line that could increase the tornado threat yet again. Also, models are hinting that the squall line will re-intensify over the Mississippi/Alabama line early tomorrow morning. This would heighten our wind threat and also potential tornado threat.

For now, a tornado watch is up for a portion of the area until 4am with more of us likely added as we move through the night. It appears that the line will move a little slower than first thought but also could be a little stronger (as has been the case with the line along the River and with recent model runs). This puts impact times probably starting a little closer to 3am for our western counties, but this is for the main line. Subtract an hour or so for any storms ahead of the main line, so the 2am arrival could verify.

Make sure you stay with us for the latest alerts. Jeff and I will break in as conditions warrant (so if you don't see us on air, it's not that bad outside). To stay with the latest alerts, follow us on wtok.com, WTOK-TV on Facebook, @Newscenter11 on Twitter, and Jeff and my Facebook and Twitter pages.

(I must add as a caveat, DO NOT attempt to chase these storms. Any tornadoes will be rain wrapped and you won't be able to see them anyway because it is dark. Even the most experienced, professional chasers rarely chase at night.)

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